Champions Trophy 2025: Who won yesterday's game between Pakistan vs New Zealand?

The Champions Trophy 2025 kicked off on February 19 in Pakistan, but the home crowd had a disappointing start as defending champions Pakistan suffered a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in Karachi.

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Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and chose to bowl first, expecting the dew to help while chasing. However, they failed to chase down the 321-run target set by the Kiwis.

New Zealand was in trouble early, losing three wickets for 73 runs in 16.2 overs. Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, and Daryl Mitchell all fell cheaply. However, opener Will Young and Tom Latham steadied the innings with a crucial 118-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Young scored a brilliant century before getting out for 107 off 113 balls. Glenn Phillips continued his red-hot form from the recent tri-series, smashing 61 off 39 balls, including three fours and four sixes. Latham remained unbeaten on 118 off 104 balls, guiding New Zealand to 320/5 in 50 overs.

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For Pakistan, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf took two wickets each, while Abrar Ahmed claimed one. There were high expectations from Pakistan’s pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem, and Haris, but they struggled, conceding 214 runs in 30 overs at an economy rate of 7.13, with only four wickets between them (Shaheen went wicketless).

Let’s take a look at Pakistan’s chase

While fielding, opener Fakhar Zaman experienced knee discomfort and did not come out to open alongside Babar Azam. Saud Shakeel was sent in but managed only six runs. At number three, Rizwan was dismissed after a stunning catch by Phillips. Fakhar later came out to bat but was dismissed for 24.

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Salman Agha provided some resistance with a quickfire 42 off 28 balls, while Babar Azam batted for 90 balls but managed only 64 runs at a strike rate of 71.11, which raised concerns among Pakistan fans, especially in a 321-run chase.

Khushdil Shah played a counter-attacking knock of 69 off 49 balls, but the lower order failed to make a significant impact. Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs. For New Zealand, skipper Mitchell Santner and pacer Will O’Rourke took three wickets each.

Tom Latham was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten century. New Zealand will now face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 24. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s next match against arch-rivals India on February 23 has become a must-win clash to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Brief scores:

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first

New Zealand: 320/5 (50) 

Will Young 107(113), Tom Latham 118*(104), Naseem Shah 2/63, Haris Rauf 2/83

Pakistan: 260/10 (47.2)

Babar Azam 64(90), Khushdil Shah 69(49) William O'Rourke 3/47, Mitchell Santner 3/66             

New Zealand won by 60 runs

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